This episode contains mentions of childhood sexual abuse and racism.

Some scripted dialogue has been added for narrative cohesiveness.

There's also some strong language. Please be advised. It's July 13, 1984 in Upstate New York, Friday, the 13th to be exact.

And Vanessa Williams, The reigning Miss America, is massaging her aching feet.

With one of her hands, she needs the knots left behind from endless hours smiling and waving in stiletto heels.

With her other hand, she holds a big plastic phone to her ear.

Now that there's a break in her schedule, Vanessa is back in her room at the Ramada Inn, sitting on the bed.

The Miss America title might come with a crown, but the royal trappings end there. At this point,

Vanessa's just happy to be off her feet, but she's still squeezing in a couple

phone interviews before her next appearance. Vanessa's been touring the country ever

since she won the Miss America title. She's dined at the White House, sung at parades,

posed for photos at state fairs and answered the same questions thousands of times in

interviews. What's it like to be the first Black Miss America? What's next for you?

Some days it's especially exhausting, but she never falters.

She shows up at every event and every photo op with a perfect smile,

perfect poise, and perfect everything.

Because that's what Miss America is.

Perfect.

You know what else is perfect?

April 25th.

Oh, get me a light jacket.

Not too hot, not too cold.

...